Stillwater, OKLA. - Thirty years ago, three events happened in Stillwater that truly changed the future of this community in ways no one thought possible.
Mercury MerCruiser came to Stillwater as our first manufacturing plant. Meridian Technology School was established and Stan Clark started the Jumpin’ Little Juke Joint.
None of these businesses HAD to come to Stillwater. They could have located just about anywhere in the state or in the United States, for that matter. They all made a decision to locate here. And, Stillwater has reaped benefits far beyond anyone’s imagination 30 years ago. These are three stellar corporate citizens for our area.
Being a good corporate citizen in a community is more than paying the rent, paying the taxes and paying the hired help. Being a good corporate citizen means giving back to the community where the business is located.
One of the ways to give back is by participating in the Stillwater Area United Way. And, all three of these companies give, very generously, to the local United Way. Together, the three companies account for 19% of the annual campaign!
But, important, too, are the “other” benefits these companies bring to the United Way and the 25 agencies we support. They assist with special events by being corporate sponsors and providing goods. They participate in fund raising events for Big Brothers Big Sisters, Red Cross, and many others. They support local schools and clubs as well as those in surrounding communities. They also provide many of the volunteer leaders who work, tirelessly, on behalf of many not-for-profit agencies. Many of the MerCruiser, Meridian and Joe’s employees serve on the boards of agencies like Mobile Meals, Boy Scouts, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Girl Scouts, YMCA, Salvation Army, and United Way.
Interestingly, each company is very different. Mercury MerCruiser is the classic large manufacturing company, which was a totally foreign concept to Stillwater, since the other manufacturing plants were not yet located in Stillwater. Meridian Technology is a not for profit/school, with no corporate headquarters. And, Eskimo Joe’s had humble beginnings as a college bar and has grown into their own “world headquarters” and tourist attraction, right here in Stillwater. But they all possess that corporate value of being a good corporate citizen and community partner.
Who thinks that economic development is not important to the not for profit community? And, to all aspects of our community? Think again!
Watch the paper for the “thank you” letters to the editor and the “thank you” ads. Notice who are the other “corporate citizens” of our community. Patronize those businesses. Tell the company leaders “thank you”. Next time you attend an event, look around, see who is sponsoring the event and tell the volunteers and sponsors, “thank you”.
Stillwater is fortunate to have many outstanding corporate citizens. Many have been here longer than 30 years and some are much “younger”. These three happen to share the same founding year. Happy Birthday!
